Sorry folks - theHumm was accidentally sent the wrong dates for the Hank and Lily concert at the MERA Schoolhouse in McDonald’s Corners. It is NOT taking place on Thursday, August 7 (as reported in the August issue) — in fact, it took place on August 1. Sorry about the mix-up!
 |
| The Valley Festival Chorus will perform a free half-hour concert at 2pm on Saturday, May 26 as part of the Burnstown Affair of the Arts. |
The galleries and shops of Burnstown proudly celebrate the “Affair of the Arts” happening on May 26 and 27. Burnstown is the village that harbours famous local artists Richard Gill and Stephen Haigh. Just in time for this event, two new galleries are opening in the village, adding further depth of artistry to the historic and picturesque locale. Badgers Studio features the painting and photography of Victoria Alexander, and works by painter Karen Phillips Curran will be available at Riverstones Gallery.
Originally created to celebrate art, The Affair of the Arts is enhanced, complemented and hosted by local boutiques and specialty shops. This Affair will feature works by well-known local artists and also offer a great opportunity to meet them when purchasing their art. A vast array of styles and media will be on display, including watercolours, oils, clay relief, marquetry, photography and cutting-edge digital art. This celebration of art will also feature music, twig furniture makers, food tasting, and even a Scottish Piper and Highland Dancer. New this year are a mobile-making workshop for kids, Heritage Valley Radio, and a “Rotating Canvas” where you get to try your own hand at creating art. Local emerging artists — grade 12 students from St. Joseph’s school in Renfrew — will also display their work at the “Affair of the Arts”.
Burnstown is just 45 minutes North-West of Ottawa, en route to Calabogie. Call 1–866–271–4737 or visit their website for further details.
Reviewed by Cathy Younger-Lewis
Talking Tea: “I love it when you talk tea” — so begins this wonderful new CD of poetry. This is poetry as it should be experienced — live, in front of an audience, performed by the poets. This is “slam” poetry (not to be confused with break dancing, violence or swearing!). This is poetry that transforms the simple listing of names like “Darjeeling” and “Lady Grey” into words of high romance and eroticism. This is poetry that is competitive, teasing, heartbreaking, reflective, political. This is poetry that should always be taped live, as was done for this CD. Even though the listener cannot see the poet, you can share the poem with the audience — laughing at DJ Morales’ unique take on nametags, cheering on Jim Thomas as he confesses to being an android, hushed while listening to Festrell’s poem give voice to an abused woman.
Continue readingLiveatCapitalSlam2006 CD Review, Launch Preview" »
by Kris Riendeau
Back-to-school time in the Valley: even if you’re not flying around buying paper, binders, coloured pencils and calculators for yourself or your kids, you can’t miss the message. Back to school is equated with back to shopping, whether it’s for clothing, lunch kits and backpacks, or the seemingly endless array of school supplies. The marketing starts in early August, and reaches full consumer frenzy just before the Labour Day weekend.
Back-to-school time in Nicaragua: in one of the poorest nations in the Americas, where 45% of the population makes less than $1 a day and the unemployment / underemployment rate sits at over 50%, many families approach the onset of school with trepidation. Some choose not to send their children at all, out of a sense of shame that they cannot provide even the barest of basics: pencils and paper. Some children make it to the classroom, but act out and distract classmates and teachers because they essentially have nothing to do — or at least nothing to write with or upon.
Photographer Bill Pratt joins singer/songwriter Terry Tufts in a benefit for the Art Of Being Green
Want three great reasons to go out on the evening of Saturday, June 3? First of all, you’ll hear a whole concert of tremendous music by award-winning singer, songwriter and guitar player Terry Tufts. Terry, who has performed with the likes of David Francey, Susan Aglukark, Ian Tamblyn and Lynn Miles, recently released his highly acclaimed third solo CD The Better Fight, which will feature prominently at this show. Next reason: as a special audio-visual opening act, you’ll be treated to a slide show by renowned nature photographer Bill Pratt. The breathtaking shots in his “Ontario Wild” slide show will remind you of the third reason you’re there — to help raise money and awareness for the Art of Being Green Festival!
Now in its third year, the Art of Being Green is a two-day, family-friendly event that promotes renewable energy and sustainable living. Held in Lanark Village on July 15 and 16, this year’s festival features workshops and demonstrations at the Lanark Arena, music at the entertainment stage along the Clyde River, delicious food and cool activities for all ages. Some of this year’s highlights include a workshop on “Greening Your House,” unique bicycle demonstrations (can you transport your canoe with your bike?), a Slow Food presentation (including samples!) and concerts on both days by the legendary Bob Bossin, founder of Stringband and frequent guest on Stuart Mclean’s Vinyl Café. For more information about this year’s festival, visit www.artofbeinggreen.com.
An evening of stunning nature photography and fabulous folk music seems the perfect lead-up to the Art of Being Green. Bill Pratt’s breathtaking slides capture his awe and respect for this land, and are a testament to his skill and fearlessness as a photographer and outdoorsman. Terry Tufts is a consummate performer: a highly skilled singer, songwriter and finger-style guitarist, his contemporaries refer to him as a musical triple threat. He’s also an avid environmentalist, dedicated dad and loving husband, all elements that colour his striking original material. Terry’s lyrics speak straight from the heart — and from a charged social conscience. The result: songs that are often anthemic, and always profoundly affecting.
This “triple-treat” event takes place at 8pm on Saturday, June 3 at the Almonte Old Town Hall, and tickets are just $20 each. They are available at The Miller’s Tale in Almonte (256–9090), at Nature Lover’s Bookstore in Lanark (259–5654), and at the door while quantities last. Proceeds from the show will go towards this year’s Art of Being Green festival. For more information call 256–5081 or email Kris.